Pomeranian
General
The Pom is the smallest memeber of the Spitz family of dogs and take their name from the province of Pomerania in Germany.
They are incredibly lively, full of life little dogs, but also have a mind of their own - this little dog is no pushover.
Because they are so small, it is not a good idea to leave them alone outside, especially is you live in the country as they can be perceived as prey Poms can be perceived as prey by eagles, owls, hawks and other wild animals.
The Pom is the smallest memeber of the Spitz family of dogs and take their name from the province of Pomerania in Germany.
They are incredibly lively, full of life little dogs, but also have a mind of their own - this little dog is no pushover.
Because they are so small, it is not a good idea to leave them alone outside, especially is you live in the country as they can be perceived as prey Poms can be perceived as prey by eagles, owls, hawks and other wild animals.
Is this the right dog for you?
Unfortunately in their minds, they think they are much bigger than they are, and unless well socialized will happily try to take on much larger dogs! Many people think that because this is a cute breed that no puppy socialization is needed - not correct! As above they can be otherwise to other dogs if not well socialized and the same is to be said for people and tend to bark a lot. Due to this we do recommend that you teach the 'bark & shush' as a pup.
Another mistake that people tend to make with the Toy breeds, is that they carry them around as much as they can - don't - they have legs that need to be used, and additionally, lifting a dog higher up, if around other dogs, can tend to make the dog being lifted reactive, as it is automatically higher up than the other dog.
This is one of the breeds that is known to be hard to toilet train, so early toilet training, as with all dogs, must always be supervised. Here is a simple way to go about it, and if you crate train the pup in the correct manner, it really does make the process much easier, simply because dogs, in general, do not like to soil anywhere near where they sleep - the exception to this, is when pups have been kept in cages in pet shops with no separate toilet.
One thing to watch out for, especially when a pup, is that they can be injured very, very easily - not just by being picked up roughly or dropped, but by jumping off a chair, or even being stepped on. . They are also known to be shedders.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Pom does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs, especially is well bred. However you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home and so important with this breed, is that a bigger dog can so easily injure it, even just in play, so they must be constantly supervised when together.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Pom does not tend to be aggressive to other dogs, especially is well bred. However you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home and so important with this breed, is that a bigger dog can so easily injure it, even just in play, so they must be constantly supervised when together.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
If well bred and well socialized they can be social butterflies, but care has to be taken around bigger dogs who can so easily injure them, even just by playing or lifting a paw and placing it hard on the smaller dog.
Do they get on with other dogs?
If well bred and well socialized they can be social butterflies, but care has to be taken around bigger dogs who can so easily injure them, even just by playing or lifting a paw and placing it hard on the smaller dog.
Do they get on with other animals?
On average yes, however, as with all dogs, socializing from pup should occur, as well as on-going socialization.
On average yes, however, as with all dogs, socializing from pup should occur, as well as on-going socialization.
Are they good with children?
If well bred and socialized, Poms normally get on well with children, however, given the fragile bodies, toddlers and young children are not a good idea. All dogs should be socialized from pups with children and this should be ongoing. By the same token, children must be educated on how to approach and interact with dogs and treat them with respect. They should be closely supervised if they are going to pic up such as small dog, especially as the Pom, can wriggle and be easily dropped.
If well bred and socialized, Poms normally get on well with children, however, given the fragile bodies, toddlers and young children are not a good idea. All dogs should be socialized from pups with children and this should be ongoing. By the same token, children must be educated on how to approach and interact with dogs and treat them with respect. They should be closely supervised if they are going to pic up such as small dog, especially as the Pom, can wriggle and be easily dropped.
Health
Apart from injury, to which they are prone, like many of the toy dogs, they are prone to dental issues and also eye problems. The eye problems include ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis) and entropion, which is where the lower eyelid rolls inwards.
They are also prone to Hypoglycemia, Trachea Collapse, Hypothyroidism and Patellar Luxation. Another problem that often develops as they get older is SHLS - Severe Hair Loss Syndrone where the coat starts to thin out. This starts at the back of the thigh and buttocks and moves up the bak - more common in males. There is also a related version that can occur in pups, where the puppy coat sheds, but the adult coat does not grow in.
SHLS occurs mainly in males and often becomes apparent later in the dog's life. The dog starts out with a normal appearing coat but the coat slowly thins out, starting at the back of the thighs and buttocks and moving up the back.
There is also a puppy-related version in which the puppy coat sheds but the adult coat does not grow.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Apart from injury, to which they are prone, like many of the toy dogs, they are prone to dental issues and also eye problems. The eye problems include ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis) and entropion, which is where the lower eyelid rolls inwards.
They are also prone to Hypoglycemia, Trachea Collapse, Hypothyroidism and Patellar Luxation. Another problem that often develops as they get older is SHLS - Severe Hair Loss Syndrone where the coat starts to thin out. This starts at the back of the thigh and buttocks and moves up the bak - more common in males. There is also a related version that can occur in pups, where the puppy coat sheds, but the adult coat does not grow in.
SHLS occurs mainly in males and often becomes apparent later in the dog's life. The dog starts out with a normal appearing coat but the coat slowly thins out, starting at the back of the thighs and buttocks and moving up the back.
There is also a puppy-related version in which the puppy coat sheds but the adult coat does not grow.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop